Hello Fellas. I'm 56yrs young and was born and raised in the Napa Valley. I have been a fan for roughly 50yrs. Obviously being in the San Francisco Bay Area I cut my teeth on the SF Territory. Ray Stevens was an early influence as was his team with Pat Patterson. Both were outstanding Pro Wrestlers as were many others that came through the area which was red-hot in the 60's. I attended a handful of events during the 60's at the Cow Palace. The most memorable probably being Ray Stevens vs. Bruno Sammartino in 1967.
During the early part of 1972 we purchased a home with my Uncle and Aunt in Lake Norman, NC. Which would be used more or less as a vacation spot. The early Summer of 1972 during a 6 week visit I was exposed to JCP for the first time. This would continue throughout the Summers and a couple times during the spring up until the Summer of 1976 after I graduated High School and turned 18. I then moved back to NC living in Lake Norman and eventually working outta Charlotte. I lived there through the Summer of 1980. During my time there I attended many shows in Charlotte. I was also able to see Georgia and Florida on TV. But nothing compared to JCP in this time frame and up through the mid 80's.
I moved back to the Napa Valley in the Fall of 1980 and began bartending. I only returned to Lake Norman a half dozen times between 1980 and 1985 where I was able to see JCP events while vacationing. I could still watch Georgia via WTBS. The AWA and WWF were options as well. Although I found them incredibly boring compared to what I'd been exposed to. However I do really enjoy Nick Bockwinkel.
In January of 1983 I moved to Memphis and worked as a bartender and was exposed to the Jarrett Promotion on TV and live. I only lived there 8 months before having to return back to California for the family business. However I returned to the South in June of 1985 when I was offered a job as a bartender in New Orleans through a friend I worked with in Memphis. This exposed me to the Watts Promotion. Which on TV and live was a real treat as a fan. It was the best pro wrestling I had seen since mid 70's - early 80's.George Scott era JCP. I remained in New Orleans up through February of 1986 when I moved back to Lake Norman and remained until the Fall of 1987 when I made a permanent return to the Napa Valley.
Sorry if this is long winded but I've seen a lot of pro wrestling from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Live I've seen SF, Amarillo, Mid Atlantic, Memphis, Mid South, AWA, WWF, and WCW. TV I've seen a lot as well. I'm a big fan with a lot of favorites and strong opinions. I do enjoy All Japan from the 70's, 80's, and a little 90's. I'm not big on Lucha or the stuff outta Canada except Maple Leaf in the JCP era. I've been able to explore some WOS stuff and do enjoy it. As for most stuff post 80's it's very hit and miss for me. I know what's going on in todays climate but it's inferior to a lot of stuff I've seen in the past. As a pro wrestler ya gotta make me believe you can kick my ass or tie me in a knot. Not many make me suspend my disbelief like that anymore.
I look forward to spending time here and contributing to the various debates and discussions.
Thanks.